New brief: The potential impact of climate change on zinc nutrition

Many countries with high vulnerability and low readiness to adapt to the negative effects of climate change area also countries where zinc deficiency is considered to be a public health problem. This new brief summarizes what we know about the impact of climate change on zinc nutrition, from impacts through the food system and health outcomes associated with zinc status, to zinc-specific adaptation measures.

Key messages are:

Zinc deficiency is estimated to be a public health problem in 40 low- and middle-income countries.
Malnutrition, including deficiencies of zinc and other essential micronutrients, is considered one of the five major adverse health impacts of climate change.
Climate change is likely to reduce the zinc content of staple crops and reduce the availability of and access to important food sources of zinc.
Climate change is predicted to increase rates of diarrheal disease in some areas, which is likely to exacerbate the risk of zinc deficiency.
Climate change adaptation strategies that protect zinc nutrition include large-scale food fortification and biofortification, alternative animal source foods, underutilized crops, breastfeeding, targeted supplementation for vulnerable group such as young children and pregnant women, and zinc as part of diarrhea treatment.